In a statement posted on his Twitter and Facebook pages at midday today, the comedian apologised sincerely to his disappointed fans and insisting that he must put his family ahead of anything else.

No other details of the 'family circumstances' were revealed.

Ticketholders will now have to get a refund from their point of purchase, which could prove problematic if they have bought them off friends or ticket touts.

The comedian has had to scrap all 100 dates of his tour - including the ones added for extra demand (Image: Facebook)

This was Peter's statement in full:

"Due to unforeseen family circumstances I deeply regret that I am having to cancel all of my upcoming work projects.

"This unfortunately includes my upcoming stand-up tour, Dance For Life show and any outstanding live work commitments.

"My sincerest apologies. This decision has not been taken lightly and I'm sure you'll understand my family must always come first.

"I've always endeavoured to protect my family's privacy from the media. I hope that the media and the public will continue to respect our privacy at this time. Once again I'm very sorry."

Peter has given no details about the family circumstances (Image: Getty Images)

Peter's statement went out on his social media pages (Image: Twitter)

The statement added:

"Further information

Customers for Peter Kay's Live Arena Tour and Dance for Life shows will be refunded from their original point of purchase and any specific ticket queries should be directed to them.

"As Dance for Life is a charitable event in aid of Cancer Research UK, ticket holders may, if they wish, still donate to Cancer Research UK by visiting www.cancerresearchuk.org."

(Image: ITV)

The star recently made a guest appearance on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing's Blackpool's Tower Ballroom special, where he had fans in stitches by dropping cheeky plugs for his tour.

He last hit the road in 2010 with The Tour That Doesn't Tour Tour... Now On Tour, which broke the Guinness World Record for the biggest selling comedy tour of all time with 1.2million people attending.

And the beloved funnyman, who recently revealed his show Car Share will be making a comeback - said he couldn't wait to take to the stage once more, especially given the new material he's amassed.

All of Peter's work commitments have been axed (Image: Getty)

“I really miss it. I know how lucky I am to be making television series and have really loved these past few years working on Car Share but I miss doing stand-up," he said last month.

“As terrifying as it is, when it works there’s nothing more fun and exciting. Plus, a lot has happened in the last eight years, with Trump, Twitter and my Nan getting her front bush trimmed at the age of 96. I can’t wait to get back up on stage.”

The much sought-after tickets went on sale on November 19, with fans paying between £35 and £99 to be entertained by the comedy fave.